Miss Brookdale's Dowry — Perpetua Langley

Miss Catherine Brookdale had been quite happy to be the daughter of a Viscount with only a respectable dowry. After her uncle dies, she finds that she is suddenly worth thirty-two thousand pounds. Catherine knows she is the talk of the season and holds one overwhelming fear â€" that she will be duped into marrying a man who has no regard for her and only pursued her for her money. She is determined she will not be tricked, Catherine will lead with her head and her heart must follow behind. At a gathering at Lady Castlereagh's house, Catherine meets the shy Miss Banneridge and the bold Lady Lucy. Both new friends attempt to help her navigate the treacherous waters of a first season awash in fortune hunters. At the Dandridge's ball, Catherine meets the dashing Henry Hamilton, Earl of Grantville. He is from a fine family and has every appearance of being a true gentleman. He is Miss Banneridge's cousin and she assures Catherine that his estate is on firm footing and in no need of rescue. Catherine may put down her defenses and follow her heart. That is, until Lady Lucy claims quite the opposite. Lady Lucy has news that the Earl's estate is in near financial ruin and he has come to London with the express purpose of landing a large dowry. Should Catherine follow her heart and risk finding herself married to a man who holds her in contempt? Or should she settle for someone like Lady Lucy's brother, who is not as interesting as Grantville, but who can have no interest in her money?